Saturday, June 18, 2005

The Missouri River Bridge at Lexington, Missouri

 Facts

Overview
    Seven-span through truss bridge over the Missouri River on MO 13 at Lexington
Status
    Open to two-lane traffic
Future prospects
    Scheduled to be replaced by a new bridge in June 2005
History
    Opened to traffic Oct. 31, 1924
Builders
    - J.A.L. Waddell (Consulting engineer)
    - Kansas City Bridge Co. (Contractor)
Recognition
    Eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Approximate latitude, longitude
    +39.1869, -93.8962
Land survey
    T. 51 N., R. 27 W., Sec. 35
Design
    From north to south:
    Three 8-panel polygonal Warren through trusses with a Camelback profile
    Two 12-panel polygonal Warren through trusses, each 408 feet long
    Two 8-panel polygonal Warren through trusses with a Camelback profile
    Three 8-panel Warren deck trusses
    Multiple deck pony plate girder spans
Dimensions
    Main span length: 408.0 ft.
    Total length: 3072.4 ft.
    Deck width: 20.0 ft.
    Vertical clearance: 18.1 ft.
Inspection (as of 2001)
    Appraisal: Structurally deficient
    Sufficiency rating: 2.00

This bridge will soon be destroyed.  We moved to this area thirty years ago, and it was in horrible shape even then.  The new bridge will be opened June 25th.  It will be at least four miles further for us to go to Richmond, where we like to shop.  I guess I'm glad; the old bridge is downright scary to cross.  But it's going to be sad to see it go.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That bridge spooks me!   Anne

Anonymous said...

Actually its a beautiful old bridge and its nice that you have the pictures to remember it... You should enlarge them and put them up in your little cabin. Sort of a reminder of days past. Sandra

Anonymous said...

The bridge reminds me of ones we used to go across when we'd leave Ohio and go to West Virginia to visit my grandparents.  They cross the Ohio River and I'd always get the shivers when we crossed.  Nothing lasts forever.  Thankfully they get inspected and replaced when needed.   At least you know you'll make it over on the new one !  One thing I've noticed around here is that the base that usually made of stone remains for years after the bridge is gone.  I often look at them and wonder ....they seem to be in the middle of nowhere.  The road to them has disappeared.    I love history and I bet these old bridges could tell us a thing or two.  'On Ya'  - ma

Anonymous said...

We have green bridge similar to that just a few miles from here.  It crosses over the Cumberland River.  I don't think it is in that bad of shape.  Hope not.  
Best for you to be safe and take the 4 miles longer.